For whatever reason, the Buckeyes don’t seem to be getting it. For the third consecutive week, they came out flat and found themselves down 10-0. Penn State used this fast start to dictate the game. As a result, the Nittany Lions take one-step closer to the inaugural Big Ten title game with a 20-14 win.
The Nittany Lions came into a tough environment and played well. In the first half, they used the Wildcat formation to confuse the Buckeyes. In the second half, they paid homage to Jim Tressel’s style of play by playing solid defense and winning the field position battle.
Meanwhile, the Buckeyes continue to find ways to lose games.
The defense spent most of the first half attempting arm tackles; meanwhile, Penn State had more rushing yards than their game average in the first half. Now to their credit, the defense played much better in the second half. This includes an excellent goal line stand that shortly changed the tide of the game.
Offensively, the Buckeyes had some good moments but much more bad.
Braxton Miller continues to show he has a solid future. His ability to take disaster plays and turn them into big gains is truly something special. Having DeVier Posey back from suspension was also a huge boost.
On the other hand, this unit made way too many mistakes.
The offensive line played a bad game. Center Mike Brewster had multiple bad snaps, a tendency he has had a lot this season. Additionally, the line was unable to keep Penn State’s defenders out of the backfield, which meant Braxton was running for his life for most of the game.
The two biggest mistakes were the turnovers, which were momentum killers. Dan Herron didn’t take a handoff, though it’s unsure he knew he was receiving one. This led to a short field for Penn State though luckily for Buckeye Nation this was when they dug in deep and played well. Then there was the fumble by Carlos Hyde that sapped the momentum Ohio State gained.
In close games such as this, all of these mistakes make it difficult to win.
The Buckeyes’ mantra has always been to play the best their football at the end of the season. That isn’t the case with this team. Here’s the problem; it may become worse.
Waiting for Ohio State next week is a hungry and talented Michigan squad. They want revenge and to embarrass Ohio State. The Buckeyes need to muster up whatever they have left because they are going to be in for the fight of their lives.
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
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